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8 great hikes for catching a sunrise you'll find around Colorado

By Piper Russell, The Gazette The Tribune Content Agency

Updated May 14, 2026 5:59 AM

Alpenglow sunrise outside of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. (John De Bord/Dreamstime/TNS) John De Bord TNS

Gazing at a stunning sunrise atop a mountain peak is a special experience, and Colorado offers plenty of great opportunities to see amazing views of sunrises on hikes.

Here are some of the best hikes to see a sunrise in Colorado:

1. Mount Falcon Park Upper Loop

Located in Morrison, this is a 3.9 mile hike that showcases a variety of fields, woods, historical sites, and amazing viewpoints. Hikers might even find some shelters on their trek. At the top, hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of Denver, Red Rocks and the surrounding mountains.

2. Lookout Mountain Trail

This 4.5 mile hike will take you up and over Colorow Hill near Golden, which is also known as Lookout Mountain. The area is excellent for sightseeing, including catching a glimpse of the sunrise.

3. Sprague Lake

This is an easy stroll at Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park that is only 0.7 miles round trip. Hikers will get great views of mountain peaks along the Continental Divide from the east shoreline.

4. Lichen Peak Trail

This 1.6 mile hike offers panoramic views of Denver and Golden as one of the tallest points of North Table Mountain Park. According to All Trails, the trail starts with a steep ascent and then turns into a flatter elevation.

5. Sugarloaf Mountain

At 1.4 miles round-trip, this trail is located in Roosevelt National Forest and includes panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lowlands once hikers reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.

6. Chief Mountain Trail

This 2.9-mile round-trip route up Chief Mountain near Idaho Springs provides hikers with stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. During the hike, you'll reach a break in the trees where you'll find 360 vistas that are the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise.

7. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

Also located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail is perfect for those looking for a challenge. The hike is 8.7 miles and begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road. Hikers will stop by Alberta Falls, The Loch, Lake of Glass, and Timberline Falls.

8. Loveland Pass Lake Trail

This short route will take hikers to a small lake at Loveland Pass, and it provides great views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby ski area.

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 5:49 AM.